Genshin Impact 6.1’s New Dendro 5-Star and “Mode-with-a-Gacha” – What Players Should Really Expect

Why 6.1 Actually Stopped Me Scrolling

HoYoverse has rolled out Genshin Impact version 6.1 (Luna II) on October 22, 2025, and yes, there’s the usual hit list: a shiny 5-star (Dendro catalyst newcomer Nefer), a fresh explorable area called Nod-Krai, some QoL tweaks, and new weapons. But the update’s real curveball is Miliastra Wonderland-also labeled “Paradisia Milliastral” in some localizations-a side mode built around creation tools and mini-games with its own gacha. A gacha inside a gacha game is the kind of design decision that makes me both curious and a little wary.

• Nefer headlines Phase 1 with Furina; Phase 2 brings Arlecchino and Zhongli.
• New side mode Miliastra Wonderland introduces a separate outfit gacha.
• Nod-Krai expands exploration, likely with new challenges and rewards.
• New catalysts arrive, though one weapon’s naming raises an eyebrow.

Breaking Down the Headliners

Nefer slots in as another Dendro catalyst-meaning she’ll compete for team slots with the established Dendro staples that have defined reaction teams since the element arrived. If you’ve lived in Quicken territory with Aggravate and Spread, or you’re a Hyperbloom enjoyer, this is a character who could refresh those comps with a different cadence. She lands in Phase 1 alongside Furina, which is an interesting pairing: Furina supercharges a lot of teams and remains top-tier value if you skipped her earlier. Phase 2 repeats two meta stalwarts: Arlecchino (raw on-field DPS) and Zhongli (universal comfort pick with impenetrable shields).

Nod-Krai, the new zone, is the exploration hook. HoYoverse typically ties new areas to fresh puzzles, time trials, and at least one new loop to plug into the daily routine. The studio usually couples map drops with a boss or domain to chase, so we’ll see how Nod-Krai folds into the resin grind and ascension routes. If you’ve been starving for new chests and oculi-hunting, this is your excuse to dust off the compass.

The Real Story: Miliastra Wonderland’s Separate Gacha

This is the part that made me raise an eyebrow. Miliastra Wonderland (a creation/mini-game mode) isn’t just a seasonal event—it’s positioned as an ongoing side mode with its own outfit gacha and content cadence. On paper, a playground for player-made challenges and bite-size activities sounds like a solid evergreen, especially if it mixes exploration and combat twists the way the best limited events did in Fontaine and beyond.

But a dedicated gacha inside the mode is a big shift from how Genshin handled cosmetics historically. Skins were either paid via Genesis Crystals or occasionally earned during events; they weren’t siloed behind a separate roll system. If the outfit gacha leans cosmetic-only with generous earnable currency, cool. If it creeps into “yet another premium track” territory, expect community pushback. As someone who loved the longevity of Genius Invokation TCG because it didn’t nickel-and-dime, I’m cautiously optimistic and watching the economy closely.

Should You Pull in 6.1?

If your account is Dendro-poor or you want to spice up Quicken/Bloom teams, Nefer is the banner to scout. Catalyst Dendro users usually bring comfy application and reaction uptime; pair her with Electro drivers (think Keqing/Fischl) for Aggravate or funnel into Hyperbloom with a reliable Hydro plus an off-field Electro like Kuki. If you already run Nahida-driven teams that feel complete, the value equation becomes “sidegrade versus novelty.” That makes Furina the safer pick in Phase 1 for overall account power if you missed her—the synergy floor is high across elements.

Phase 2 is pure pragmatism: Arlecchino remains a self-sufficient boss-melter if you want a centerpiece DPS, and Zhongli still trivializes positioning and survivability for anyone who doesn’t want to sweat one-shots in late-game content. If you’re low on Primogems, my read is: Archon (Furina) first, universal utility (Zhongli) second, then chase Nefer if you truly love Dendro teams or want to experiment.

Weapons and QoL: Nice Gains, One Odd Name

Two catalysts arrive: Reliquary of Truth (5-star) looks tailored for crit-heavy, skill-centric play with Elemental Mastery bonuses—basically a theme-weapon for Nefer-style rotations. The 4-star option dubbed “Sacrificer’s Staff” reads like a catalyst despite the “Staff” naming, which is either an internal codename slipping through or a translation quirk. Naming aside, its off-field triggers and Energy Recharge make it a solid budget pick for supports who want more burst uptime.

QoL tweaks are here, and while none scream “game-changer,” balance nudges to four-stars are always welcome. Maintenance compensation is the usual Primogem stipend, so don’t forget to log in even if you’re waiting to see how Miliastra shakes out.

What This Changes for Your Daily Grind

If Miliastra Wonderland really gets regular updates, it could become a third pillar alongside Spiral Abyss and whatever the current rotating event happens to be—ideal for players who want short, creative bursts instead of pure DPS checks. The wild card is that outfit gacha: if rewards feel fair and progression is partly earnable, it’ll stick. If not, it risks living in the “fun for a week, ignored thereafter” bin. Nod-Krai should refresh exploration and give ascension hunters a new loop, which helps everyone.

TL;DR

Nefer brings fresh Dendro-catalyst options, Nod-Krai feeds explorers, and Miliastra Wonderland could be a long-term side mode—if its outfit gacha doesn’t overreach. Pull Furina or Zhongli for safe, account-wide value; chase Nefer if you’re hungry for new Dendro tech. Eyes on the mode’s economy before you sink currency into a second gacha.